You're right Ronn, I couldn't have gotten a better response. That was one of the first times I've emailed someone on an issue I found BEFORE purchasing and they were straight up with me about it. I like to do my homework before I drop a couple hundred dollars on something only to find out that C.S. isn't exactly up to par.

Like I said earlier, I have used an older 870 and I loved how smooth it was and how well it handled. I'm looking forward to making this purchase and eventually getting it to smooth out and be a reliable piece of hunting equipment. Now if only the money would get here a little faster...haha

Well, I figured I would give you guys an update. I visited a shop in my area and they only had the 870 in synthetic. Unfortunately, I was looking for a wood stock. The stock on the Remington is pretty ugly in my eyes so I took a look at their Mossberg 500's. Their stocks do not have the strongly pronounced wood grain like the Remington's do, rather they have a smooth, laminate finish. After talking with Brian, the shop worker who helped me, I walked out with a 500 in 12 gauge.

I did alot of research on the Mossbergs as well and the only issue that seemed to pop up frequently were with the shell stops. That I can deal with because it's not only covered under warranty but would not require me to send in the gun for repair. The Mossberg also came with a 10 year warranty as opposed to the Remington's 2 year warranty.

Finally, the Mossberg was priced well. Out the door, I paid $312. The Remington would have been the same price from Dunham's but with a $30 mail in rebate. Of course, that's $30 more I could have had back in my pocket. In the end though, I feel that either way I was making a solid decision, not to mention I gave business to one of the "little guys" and not a box store. The only thing I need to do is outfit her with a sling and, at some point, set it up to shoot some deer as well as waterfowl and other critters!

I sure love my rem 870's. I have one in 20 ga. and another in Supermag 12 ga. I bought them last year and have had no problems with jamming. I shoot both high brass and cheap shells. They both shoot and chuck them all.

i have both the moss 500 and the rem 870. the 870 is a far superior gun (the 500 is not even in the same class. the remingtons will have a walnut stock where the moss have a beech or some other hardwood dyed to look like walnut.), but the 500 will get the job done. got to love bring home a new gun. hope you have great success with it.

When it comes to buying a firearm my advice is to buy the gun you really want. Get the stock option, metal finnish, etc that wows you. If you have to wait and save its definitely worth it in my opinion.

I agree ronn, I have a couple of 870's and a mossberg, the Rem is the better gun but that's why they make mossberg, for those who don't want a remington. Years ago most police forces used mossberg 500 shot guns then switched to remington. On the mossberg there's a screw and a shell guide in the receiver that comes loose and has to be tightened every so often other than that its a reliable firearm. I think the model is a camo 835, not sure as the son has taken/stolen it from Dad's safe and uses it for ducks/geese. Congrats on your mossberg shot gun purchase.

I have two 12 guage 870 Express,one is a magnum the other is not,they are both about 20 years old and have been trouble free.I put a Hastings rifled barrel on the magnum soon after I bought it and just added a cheap (about $50) Tasco scope on it this summer.I have to admit the eye relief is a little short.Here is 3 shots at 100 yards with the new scope.